Overview
Easily identified by their shell. Top called carapace Bottom called plastron▪ May have one or two hinges to close the
plastron. Shells covered by scales called scutes.
Considered more intelligent than most reptiles.
No teeth hard beak
Common Snapping Turtle
Sometimes called the fresh water “loggerhead”
Used for its meat. Long tail with “spines” on it Serration on back side of carapace Beak that ends in a hook Small plastron compared to other
turtles Loose warty skin on neck. Omnivores
Eastern mud turtle *
Believed to be extirpated Carapace olive to dark brown to
black Plastron is yellow to brown Plastron is double hinged and has 11
scutes Head is brown with yellow streaks
Stinkpot turtle ~
Secrete foul-smelling yellowish fluid High domed carapace Small plastron – allows for greater
movement Olive-brown to dark grey Generally two lighter stripes are on
the head
Midland painted turtle
Olive or black carapace, which is smooth, oval and slightly flattened.
Red and black markings on the edge of the shell.
Plastron yellow or red with a dark blotch.
Bright yellow spots on the head. Red and yellow stripes on neck, legs,
and tail.
Spotted turtle ~
Only three inches long Black carapace with round yellow
spots. Head and legs also have yellow or
orange spots. Orange spot over eyes Yellow plastron bordered with black
Wood turtle
Brown scutes that are keeled, with a pyramidal shape. (growth rings)
Plastron is yellow and has no hinges Skin of neck and front legs is reddish
orange. Long tail.
Bog Turtle *
Endangered species Carapace that is light brown to
mahogany. Hingeless plastron. Black head with a yellow, orange, or
red blotch on either side.
Blanding’s turtle *
Smooth helmet shaped carapace, which has yellowish spots.
Chin and throat are yellow Hinged plastron
Map Turtle *
Carapace is green to olive-brown. Random yellow lines found on its
back give it its name (looks like a map)
Distinct keel on carapace. Exposed skin has narrow yellow lines Yellow triangular spot behind each
eye.
Red-Eared Slider
Non native species Population is from released pets Looks similar to map, red bellied,
and painted turtles. Red patch or stripe behind the eye
on the side of the head.
Tortuga.
Red bellied turtle *
Threatened species Brown to black shell with a reddish
pattern. Plastron is usually yellow to red but
may be coral. Notch at tip of upper jaw Arrow shaped stripe runs on top of
head to the snout.
Eastern box turtle ~
High domed carapace that is keeled. Black or brown base with yellow,
orange, or olive markings. Plastron hinged Males usually have red eyes while
the females have yellow eyes.
Eastern Spiny Softshell turtle
Entirely aquatic (lay eggs and bask) The carapace is soft, olive in color Slightly darker spots, bordered with
black Dark line around rim of carapace. Streaks on feet. Adult males have sandpaper like
projections on shell Nose is tubular (like a snorkel).